Bad weather conditions have been the cause of many accidents on South African roads and will unfortunately continue to do so; unless we change our driving habits. Car Insurance companies know to expect an increase in the number of claims after every bad storm. There are many things that you can do to protect yourself from being involved in a car accident whilst driving in bad weather. Here are a few pointers:

• Drivers need to adapt their driving during bad weather; taking an advanced driving course is a good idea.
• Make sure that your car is always one hundred percent roadworthy. Driving with lights and wiper blades not working, worn tyres or break pads is an accident looking for a place to happen (even in good driving conditions.) Your insurance company will refuse to pay any claim if your car was not roadworthy.
• Before taking a long trip check the weather conditions on the way.
• Slow down and increase your following distance.
  When you are caught in severe bad weather and visibility is reduced, look for a safe place to park and wait for the storm to pass.
• Stay calm, it’s better to be late for that meeting than never to arrive at all.
  Turn on dipped main beams and fog lights.
• Be very aware of other drivers that may not be as cautious as you are.
• Make sure you always travel with your cell phone and have emergency numbers available.

The best advice is to simply stay off the roads during bad conditions, if at all possible.